Training device for putting a golf ball

ABSTRACT

A training device for a putting stroke in the game of golf includes a pointer stick, and a support member for supporting the pointer stick in a generally parallel position with respect the ground. The stick may be positioned so as to generally point at the location of the sun such that the shadow of the stick on the ground may be used as a guide for the correct stroke path of the putter. Two or more pins may optionally be provided to form a gate through which the golf ball must pass in order to go into a golf cup.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This application is directed to a system for training golfers to correctly execute a putting stroke in the game of golf.

2. Description of Related Arts

In the game of golf, a correct putting stroke is essential in order to successfully make a putt. More specifically the head of the putter must continue on a path along the desired line of the putt after the head makes contact with the golf ball. Failure to do so will result in the putt being struck offline. This will result in the ball not following the intended line to the cup. The prior art includes some very complicated and expensive arrangements for teaching golfers the correct putting stroke.

There is a need for a simple, inexpensive and effective system for demonstrating the correct technique for executing a putting stroke.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

These and other needs in the art are addressed in one embodiment by a system that includes a support adapted to penetrate the surface of a green and a pointer stick that is supported by the support above the ground in a position generally parallel to the ground. The pointer stick is supported at a height sufficient to allow a putter to pass along the longitudinal axis of the stick between the ground surface and the stick, approximately 2-8 inches, for example.

A plurality of pins may also be used that can be inserted into the ground to designate a gate through which the golf ball must pass in order to go into the cup.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other embodiments for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent embodiments do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a golfer utilizing the apparatus of an embodiment of the invention

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a golfer utilizing an embodiment of the apparatus of the invention with the addition of guide pins.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the ground penetrating support for the guide rod.

FIG. 4 is a view of an anchoring device for the support.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As shown in FIG. 1, a system according to an embodiment of the invention includes a pointer stick 11, a support 16 for supporting the pointer stick above the turf 29 and optionally one or more guide pins 31, 32 shown in FIG. 2.

Pointer stick 11 may be formed of any suitable material such as metal, wood, or plastic.

Pointer stick 11 is supported above the ground by a turf penetrating support 16 shown in FIG. 3. The support 16 is well known and is currently being marketed as a support for fishing rods.

The support is formed from a wire or rod and includes a vertical shaft 25. The lower end of portion 25 may be forced into the turf. The upward portion of vertical shaft 25 includes a first loop 24 having an opening 26 which loops downwardly to a slightly inclined second section 23. A second loop 21 extends downwardly and loops upwardly to form an open area 22.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, the pointer guide can be supported without any attachment mechanism by support 16 when the stick is placed within spaces 26 and 21 at a rear portion of the pointer stick.

In this manner, the weight of pointer stick to the right of support 16 will raise the rear end of the pointer stick into engagement with the underside of loop 24 and the portion of the pointer stick to the front of vertical shaft 25 of the support will rest on loop 21.

As shown in FIG. 2, the apparatus of the present invention may also include two or more pins 31, 32 which may be inserted into the turf thereby forming a gate. The gate may be formed in the line of the putt to the golf cup 34 taking into account any breaks 33 in the putt. Thus, in order for the golfer to sink the putt, the ball must be putted through the gate formed by pins 31, 32.

The pointer stick may be positioned in a manner pointing to the position of the sun such that the shadow 40 of the pointer stick on the ground would indicate the correct path for the head 13 of the putter as shown in FIG. 2.

As shown in FIG. 4, a flat washer 42 having a pair of side apertures 43 and 47 and a central aperture 44 may also be provided to prevent inadvertent rotation of shaft 25 in use. In particular the washer 42 may be welded or otherwise secured to vertical shaft 25 intermediate its ends as shown at 48. Golf tees or pins 45, 46 can be placed through aperture 43, 47 and into the turf so that rotation of shaft 25 is prevented in use.

Although the present invention and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations may be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. Training apparatus for putting a golf ball comprising; a. a pointer stick having a top side and an underside; b. a support for supporting the pointer stick in a position parallel to the ground, the support being formed by a bent wire having a first loop engaging the underside of the guide rod and a second loop engaging the top side of the guide rod, whereby the guide rod is supported above the ground without the use of a mechanical connection between the guide rod and support.
 2. The training apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further including at least two pins adapted to form a gate.
 3. The training apparatus of claim 1 wherein the support includes a vertical shaft.
 4. The training device of claim 3 further including a washer having a central aperture through which said vertical shaft extends, said washer having a pair of side apertures and being fixed to the vertical shaft.
 5. The training device of claim 4 further including a pair of pins adapted to extend through the side apertures.
 6. The training device of claim 5 wherein the pins are golf tees. 